The gifts specified.

He gave. He is emphatic. It is He that gave. Compare given in ver. 7. Apostles. Properly, as apostles, or to be apostles. Christ's ministers are gifts to His people. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:5, "ministers as the Lord gave;" also 1 Corinthians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 3:22. The distinguishing features of an apostle were, a commission directly from Christ : being a witness of the resurrection : special inspiration : supreme authority : accrediting by miracles : unlimited commission to preach and to found churches.

Prophets. Preachers and expounders under the immediate influence of the Spirit, and thus distinguished from teachers. 1 Corinthians 12:10. Evangelists. Traveling missionaries.

Pastors and teachers. Pastors or shepherds. The verb poimainw to tend as a shepherd, is often used in this sense. See on 1 Peter 5:2; Matthew 2:6. The omission of the article from teachers seems to indicate that pastors and teachers are included under one class. The two belong together. No man is fit to be a pastor who cannot also teach, and the teacher needs the knowledge which pastoral experience gives.

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Old Testament